Apple Greenlights Solar iPod Charger

Now there's a greener, guilt-free way to recharge your not-so-green iPod or iPhone, thanks to a new solar-powered charger/case by San Leandro-based Novothink. It's also the first such device certified by Apple, according to the company and a posting on EcoGeek.

The device is essentially a hard case, compatible with the latest iterations of the iPod Classic and iPod Touch (an iPhone version will be released later in the year, according to the press release).

One side of the case is covered with a solar panel and includes the standard USB and headphone connections, plus an opening for the external controls. An on-board lithium ion battery holds even more energy than the internal iPod Touch battery and also can be charged using a wall outlet (good news for otherwise eco-friendly iPod users in Seattle and Portland who want to rock out during the rainy season).

It also features a Solar Planner to help users optimize energy usage. Through the Novothink Web site, you simply enter how long you plan to use your iPod, how you'll be using your device (i.e. video or audio?), what the weather is like and it calculates how much sun it will require to fully charge.

I hate to rain on your solar-powered parade, but how much energy goes into the manufacture and shipment of these devices and how much will they cost? Regardless, it's a cool little gadget.

Photo courtesy of Novothink